Arsenal win affected performance, admits Blackburn Rovers boss (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Priorities Mr Appleton. The cup is a distraction but it would be no good being promoted with this squad only to come straight back down. Can anyone honestly say that probably wouldn't happen. We need more time to build a stronger squad before thinking about promotion.

Ooop back to reality. Theres always next year.

I think this year we've proved we are better than most the teams in the leauge, but theres probably a good 6 or 7 better than us with squads that cost a fraction of the price.

Sorry Mr Appleton on this occasion you got it wrong with some being played out of position and a back four dragged all over the place, mid field non existent (Murphy awful) and Rhodes well no service what so ever - as Kevin Gallagher said on radio Lancs last night no positives at all from this match!! - simply not good enough.
OUT WITH THE LOT OF THEM

Back down to earth with a bump. Hopefully this reality check will spur Rovers against Leeds this weekend.

A game to far. Stood watching the match only filled me with; are we ever going to get out of first gear ?

By the early stages of the second half I was pulling my hair out at just how pedestrian or plough a lonely furrow will suffice.

Appletons attempt at revolving the squad didn't work one iota.

Kean, Hanley masterfully attempted in keeping us in the game, but, alas to no avail.

Bruce got the measure of our weakness's early in the second half.

Plenty of ineffectual players last night running on empty tanks non more so than a crowd favorite CKR, but every credit to him at the final whistle when he came across to the crowd with a rueful look in handing his shirt over to a young boy placed his clenched fist on his heart saluting the supporters. Respect to the man. Respect to the team. His shirt by the way was drenched as we all had a peek and touch. The young boy was more than made up with his prize for the evening.

Mr Appleton has much to do these next few weeks in recharging his charges for a crucial assault on that which we were all buoyant over the week-end. Come the Bunleh game, I believe, our season will be defined ?

We need every player firing on all cylinders if we are to achieve the last spot of the plays-offs, at least ?

Rhodes looked washed out, and on an evening of zero service looked every bit just that.

Mr Appleton must find a more incisive demand of his charges not letting this new found defensive mentality take over to the cost of that which we witnessed last night.

A major disappointment to the game for myself came with DJ Campbell letting the Hull crowd totally thrash his head resulting in a poor, poor contribution on the whole from him. He must learn and quickly.

Bentley gave it his best shot with a tired and dejected Orr attempting in reading his play.
Murphy was, well, just Murphy followed by Olsson in having a mare.
Rekik just didn't work on the night.
Lowe was in a spin and out of sorts.

But, one loss in seven is the reality here thus we move on supporting the boy's on Saturday hoping for the 3 points that wishfully got away last night ?

Great support as is usual at the away games. I salute my fellow supporters for the tolerance of last nights game to far.

Arte et labore

Lame excuses about the impact of the Cup game. They are professionals and need to walk out on the pitch with the same attitude game by game. We are in real danger of just missing out - how galling would that be?

been away for a while but i see everything is back to normal again after a little honymoon period its amazing how some on here get carried away with one or two fair results !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Still a long way to go but we have the ability to put together a decent first 11. Unfortunately last night wasn't right. Kean, Orr/Lowe, Hanley, Dann, Givet/Rekik, Bentley, Murphy, ?????, Olsson, Dj, Rhodes with players like CKR, Olsson, Peds, Dunn coming off the bench for cameo roles should see us through most games. Still woefully short in centre midfield which causes a huge problem game after game and long term problems with 4 of the players above being on loan and Murphy, Dunn and Pedersen fading. Still it's a lot brighter than it was 12 months ago. If Venkys get serious this close season and invest properly I see no reason why we couldn't go up next year.

If Pedersen not start with the team, team fails...............
.just check previous 7 matchs.

It was a tired, lethargic performance. Even if Hull are second in the table, we should be up for this game just as much as the Arsenal game.

However, as many have said, or many starting to say, if we were to get promoted this season we would require a large investment in the summer to stay up.

Last night highlighted the difference between us and the top bracket of teams. Granted they have no FA cup distractions, but a top-six team still wins when it's weakened.

We're crying out for a Palacios type player. Strong, breaks up play and can pass the ball. I don't think teams fear our midfield, they just fear Jordan Rhodes and our newly found resilience. Without the midfield though, the defence's job is made 10 times harder.

Come the end of the season, if we're still in the championship then i'm hoping that a few of the loanees can be permanently signed. CKR, Bentley (if he takes a pay-cut and performs) and any others of the potential incomings.

There shouldn't really be any panic after last night, it was just a reality check for us. There's no taking away anything from MA, he's done a great job so far in stabilising us, I just hope that failure to get promoted won't result in MA losing his job.

keanoutofrovers wrote:
Still a long way to go but we have the ability to put together a decent first 11. Unfortunately last night wasn't right. Kean, Orr/Lowe, Hanley, Dann, Givet/Rekik, Bentley, Murphy, ?????, Olsson, Dj, Rhodes with players like CKR, Olsson, Peds, Dunn coming off the bench for cameo roles should see us through most games. Still woefully short in centre midfield which causes a huge problem game after game and long term problems with 4 of the players above being on loan and Murphy, Dunn and Pedersen fading. Still it's a lot brighter than it was 12 months ago. If Venkys get serious this close season and invest properly I see no reason why we couldn't go up next year.

and if my auntie had ba[[s she would be my uncle what do you mean if the venkys get serious? is that ever going to happen dream on !!!!!!!!!!

First goal is fine............., but second goal is not acceptable, players are not closing the gap and they put across clean cross and hit to target.

I've been a big supporter of Michael Appleton since his appointment but last night he got it badly wrong.
His team selection was poor and it immediately gave the initiative to Hull City.

Hull are a decent team but are they better than Arsenal?
If not why change a winning team?

We got a lucky point at Brighton but we simply cannot go to every away game and try to 'park the bus'.
We have a 20 goal striker in Jordan Rhodes who is feeding off scraps.

I recognise that results are more important than performances but surely we can be a bit more positive - both home and away.

Lets hope this is a one off, but the obssesion with defence and no attack will not work. Not addressed the midfield for me. Williamson is injury prone, Murphy struggles to cut it. Dunn is letting down the so called club he loves with his failure to appear after signing his one year extension. ( nothing new there then ) We need an attacking midfielder who will spray the ball around. We have some class attacking players who either dont get a game or are starved of service. Rekik looks like a waste of a signing after last night. No counter attacking set up against Leeds at home please Michael and show the fans you can change stratergy when needed.

Appleton has been luckier than Berg. When Berg was in charge injury time goals by Huddersfield, Burnley etc made his points tally poor. In the last few games it has been awful watching rovers play, defend, defend and hope for a lucky goal at the other end. Last night we were found out. Sometimes the best way to defend is to attack. You need to mix it in the game and not just defend.

Writing on the wall.

I believe we can make the playoffs and must for if you think the team next season will be stronger in order to mount a challenge back to the premiership think again.

After the Arsenal game other clubs will be looking to take half the team away. The 6 below must be on most clubs radar already.

Kean
Olsson
Hanley
Dann
Rhodes
CKR

No-one that Appleton has brought in Bentley Williamson etc will feature on anyone's shopping list.

Yes it will be his Rovers team after the summer but if you think it will mount a challenge next year no way.

If we don't go up through the playoffs THIS season I cannot see a premeirship return for years to come.

I think we need 2 good midfielders the lad at Villa isnt doing anything he is creative and did ok at Citi get him on loan.

Back down to earth for us BRFC fans..!
I guess its what was expected at some point, hence better now then later...!!
The better team won on the day and it clearly showed that there's plenty of work yet to be done with BRFC.

Credit to Appleton he's done well or should we say been lucky with the players at his disposal. However, it is clear he will need a few more players if are to make it to the play offs........if at all possible.

Although, BRFC have tried to obtain the right type of players its clear other clubs don't want to let the good players leave or the agents are just playing silly games with most deals.

The midfield is still not as vibrant and commanding as it should be, therefore I would ask for a central midfielder who can be the dictator/captain. Maybe we need a bulldog with the tenacity and spirit of a dragon cos at the moment other teams know our soft spot and that is our midfield.

Football is a 90 minutes , fast game and unfortunately we cant expect the elderly to last or survive on the pitch as is clearly shown by our current captain.

Although, a fan of the stalwarts of BRFC, we have to admit they are reaching the end of their careers, if not already. We simply cant keep players who will not even contribute 5 mins per game and expect to pay them great wages.

I doubt if Dunny will ever play again... he is past it and getting fatter/slower by the day.
Unfortunately Peders ability to run is diminishing but maybe he could try center midfield as he's good at passing the ball.....
I feel sorry for the aged players sorry.

We cant have a static aging midfield and expect to have a team performance.

In my view, Lowe is a good young player but we do need a creative/commutative midfielder.
but Lowe.....not in midfield........
Lowe should play instead of Orr.

A Weak midfield puts greater pressure on the defense - very clear and the strikers who get little delivery /chances.

what do you think..???

bburnrover wrote:
I think we need 2 good midfielders the lad at Villa isnt doing anything he is creative and did ok at Citi get him on loan.

which lad at villa?!!!!!!!!!!!!

cup fever nothing more nothing less, appleton allowed all the hype to sidetrack the team after a great win at arsenal,,its exactly the same scenario as winning manager of the month,,its the kiss of death,,anyway its back to getting 3 points at all costs on saturday,

noddy57 wrote:
cup fever nothing more nothing less, appleton allowed all the hype to sidetrack the team after a great win at arsenal,,its exactly the same scenario as winning manager of the month,,its the kiss of death,,anyway its back to getting 3 points at all costs on saturday,

dont worry appleton wont be affected by the manager of the month curse because hell never win it weve had our good run now the only way is down unless he gets a wde man in who can give some service to rhodes not some kid who has never played there befor!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I cant believe how negative people are on the back of one result. We are not going to win every game and to reach the play offs nor do we need to. Once Leicester is out the way next week we have a run of very winnable games. Should we win them we will be in the play off positions. Beat Leeds on Saturday and all will be fine. Having said all that I would like a little bit of a more positive approach to the games. We have Rhodes and Campbell that can score goals for fun if they have a bit of service. I am sure MA will learn from the defeat and improve us further. Bring on Leeds!!!!

benal13 wrote:

bburnrover wrote:
I think we need 2 good midfielders the lad at Villa isnt doing anything he is creative and did ok at Citi get him on loan.

which lad at villa?!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stevie Ireland? That's a great shout, was fantastic for City but got pushed out when the takeover happened. Isn't he already on loan somewhere in Championship? Or was? COME ON ROVERS WE CAN DO IT!

danny murphy just does not cut it for me. that is the sixth time i've seen him this year. not nearly good enough.apart from that let's see how we bounce back saturday (hopefully)

wampam wrote:
danny murphy just does not cut it for me. that is the sixth time i've seen him this year. not nearly good enough.apart from that let's see how we bounce back saturday (hopefully)

not rocket science, only came to boost his pension fund and i said that befor he kicked a ball for us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!1

If Bentley is going to be taking up the right side, naturally Pedersen has to play on the left, otherwise fabio nunes plays there where is the service going to come from, if murphy's not able to find the forwards then there is nothing else,
when you have williamson on the right busy trying to stop their attackers automatically you have reduce your attacking optoions, if murphy gets the ball back from the defenders or after a tackle someone like lowe has to bomb on an create another attacking option, you cant have both staying back.

Listened on radio it sounded like we were lacking in key areas.

RoversMCMLXXV wrote:

dangerous dave wrote: Sorry Mr Appleton on this occasion you got it wrong with some being played out of position and a back four dragged all over the place, mid field non existent (Murphy awful) and Rhodes well no service what so ever - as Kevin Gallagher said on radio Lancs last night no positives at all from this match!! - simply not good enough. OUT WITH THE LOT OF THEM

It's Gallacher NOT Gallagher. Out with the lot of them and replace them with who exactly? You dangerous are whats known as a w4nker.

With language like that you were obviously brought up in the gutter
Out with the lot of them p

dangerous dave wrote:
Sorry Mr Appleton on this occasion you got it wrong with some being played out of position and a back four dragged all over the place, mid field non existent (Murphy awful) and Rhodes well no service what so ever - as Kevin Gallagher said on radio Lancs last night no positives at all from this match!! - simply not good enough.
OUT WITH THE LOT OF THEM

Doom and Gloom!!!

there are ways to lose a match, rovers never really went for it,, gave too much respect, even burnley and barnsley have won at hull recently, theyre not unbeatable, As the most expensive assembled squad and the highest paid team in the championship, rovers fans expect a lot more, manager knows where he made the mistake and probably give more recovery time for players after a big match.

blooming heck you lot - reading these posts! - i think i may go into a darkened room with a razor blade with my leonard cohen back catalogue on shuffle (surely not as depressing as woody's cries from the heart).

its as though some of you have been waiting for last night to happen since Appy took over. - Jesus Christ, we lost an away game to second in the league - anybody remember Shrewsbury? with all the shenanigans over the last tow years we are in no state to get promoted and Appleton deserves credit last night for at least being honest in his assessment of the game - our pal fester would have described it as a triumph and the defeat gave us plenty of opportunities to put things right in training.

to me success this season looks like:
1) getting rid of kean
2) finishing in top half of championship
3 (part 1)) finishing above dingles
3 (part 2)) not losing to dingles
4) a good cup run

1) is achieved, 2) looks likely 3i) blooming hope so, 3ii) banker 4) already achieved with the possibility of a wembley appearance.

not been to new wembley yet as i promised myself i would only go if rovers go there - our last FA cup semi was the last to be played away from wembley and the final (which we were so close to - PEDERSEN!!!!) was the first proper game to be held there.

forget last night.....the past is history, the future is ours!

Last night we seemed to be set up well and started ok. The two banks of 4 work hard and make it difficult for the opposition but obviously if there is no outlet from that set-up, we simply invite a build up of pressure.
Neither Rhodes or Kaz are target men who can hold then bring in midfield RUNNERS, we don't have them at Ewood currently.
More I think about it, more I reckon the 'tank' was empty last night. There were few big tackles going in from some.
Re-energise, re-focus for Saturday, there's plenty of spirit.
A trip to Wembley and a slap for the Dingles will do nicely for this year.

passingfootball wrote:
If Bentley is going to be taking up the right side, naturally Pedersen has to play on the left, otherwise fabio nunes plays there where is the service going to come from, if murphy's not able to find the forwards then there is nothing else,
when you have williamson on the right busy trying to stop their attackers automatically you have reduce your attacking optoions, if murphy gets the ball back from the defenders or after a tackle someone like lowe has to bomb on an create another attacking option, you cant have both staying back.

4 - 1 - 4 - 1

4 - 4 - 2.

Both systems can work I guess if you have the right players. Do we have them?

Our 4 - 1 - 4 - 1 (or does it become 4 - 2 - 3 - 1)
You can only afford to have one holding midfield player not two (Murphy Williamson ) or you end up with a gulf in midfield.

In addition both the central midfield players have to be threats in attack, counter attack to support the lone striker

Our 4 - 4 - 2
Do we have the players? Presently it leaves a massive exposed central midfield. One of the two attackers needing to drop back (like a Rooney or Gerard) who are capable of dropping back to fulfill a central midfield role but quick enough to get in support of the front player Rhodes in attack, counter attack or back quickly to defend.

With Appleton's loans / purchases to date not too sure what he has really accomplished to make one of the two systems really work

But then again what do I know.

BlueSkies wrote:
Last night we seemed to be set up well and started ok. The two banks of 4 work hard and make it difficult for the opposition but obviously if there is no outlet from that set-up, we simply invite a build up of pressure.
Neither Rhodes or Kaz are target men who can hold then bring in midfield RUNNERS, we don't have them at Ewood currently.
More I think about it, more I reckon the 'tank' was empty last night. There were few big tackles going in from some.
Re-energise, re-focus for Saturday, there's plenty of spirit.
A trip to Wembley and a slap for the Dingles will do nicely for this year.

I really respect your comments

I think though that CKR can hold the ball up however lack of mobility - strong runners in midfield is really hampering us.

I will be castigated for this comment however I don't think Rhodes best position is being the one to drop back from a 4 4 2 formation into midfield to help out (Gerard Rooney like) as his strengths are as an out and out goalscorer at the moment so who you play with him in a 4 4 2 formation is critical as long as we have the midfield we do.

hasslem hasslem wrote:
blooming heck you lot - reading these posts! - i think i may go into a darkened room with a razor blade with my leonard cohen back catalogue on shuffle (surely not as depressing as woody's cries from the heart).

its as though some of you have been waiting for last night to happen since Appy took over. - Jesus Christ, we lost an away game to second in the league - anybody remember Shrewsbury? with all the shenanigans over the last tow years we are in no state to get promoted and Appleton deserves credit last night for at least being honest in his assessment of the game - our pal fester would have described it as a triumph and the defeat gave us plenty of opportunities to put things right in training.

to me success this season looks like:
1) getting rid of kean
2) finishing in top half of championship
3 (part 1)) finishing above dingles
3 (part 2)) not losing to dingles
4) a good cup run

1) is achieved, 2) looks likely 3i) blooming hope so, 3ii) banker 4) already achieved with the possibility of a wembley appearance.

not been to new wembley yet as i promised myself i would only go if rovers go there - our last FA cup semi was the last to be played away from wembley and the final (which we were so close to - PEDERSEN!!!!) was the first proper game to be held there.

forget last night.....the past is history, the future is ours!

What's happening is that suddenly the penny has dropped. No matter you try and polish it Rovers are not a premiership club anymore. They are at best a mid table championship club who may occasionally get in the play offs and everyone can get on the chara and have a trip to London. The squad consists of either overpaid has beens or overpaid wannabees but will never make it.
.
What's this "consolidate this season and push for the playoffs next" type of claptrap? Rover's will be in the Chumpionship while the Venkys remain (and I don't reckon they are going anywhere fast)
.
The Venkys neither have the appetite or the money to get back in the premiership.
.
.You're not paranoid you're delusional

Shane wrote:

hasslem hasslem wrote:
blooming heck you lot - reading these posts! - i think i may go into a darkened room with a razor blade with my leonard cohen back catalogue on shuffle (surely not as depressing as woody's cries from the heart).

its as though some of you have been waiting for last night to happen since Appy took over. - Jesus Christ, we lost an away game to second in the league - anybody remember Shrewsbury? with all the shenanigans over the last tow years we are in no state to get promoted and Appleton deserves credit last night for at least being honest in his assessment of the game - our pal fester would have described it as a triumph and the defeat gave us plenty of opportunities to put things right in training.

to me success this season looks like:
1) getting rid of kean
2) finishing in top half of championship
3 (part 1)) finishing above dingles
3 (part 2)) not losing to dingles
4) a good cup run

1) is achieved, 2) looks likely 3i) blooming hope so, 3ii) banker 4) already achieved with the possibility of a wembley appearance.

not been to new wembley yet as i promised myself i would only go if rovers go there - our last FA cup semi was the last to be played away from wembley and the final (which we were so close to - PEDERSEN!!!!) was the first proper game to be held there.

forget last night.....the past is history, the future is ours!

What's happening is that suddenly the penny has dropped. No matter you try and polish it Rovers are not a premiership club anymore. They are at best a mid table championship club who may occasionally get in the play offs and everyone can get on the chara and have a trip to London. The squad consists of either overpaid has beens or overpaid wannabees but will never make it.
.
What's this "consolidate this season and push for the playoffs next" type of claptrap? Rover's will be in the Chumpionship while the Venkys remain (and I don't reckon they are going anywhere fast)
.
The Venkys neither have the appetite or the money to get back in the premiership.
.
.You're not paranoid you're delusional

strange comments - you are, of course, entitled to your opinion.

where am i delusional? - i have gone on the record over the years saying that i will support Rovers no matter what division they are in i have had many a row in bar rooms, on here or at Ewood; whilst we were struggling that i didn't give a monkey's what division Rovers wase in as long as the team was busting a gut and and you believed that the supporters had a connection with the club/team players......admitte
dly the connection with the club is, for the moment, severed - but for the first time in ages i, personally, feel the team is heading in the right direction.

WHERE HAVE I SAID WE WILL GET INTO THE PREMIERSHIP? WHERE HAVE I WRITTEN THAT I THINK ROVERS IS A PREMIERSHIP CLUB - i am not paranoid - but fear you may need to learn to read if you think my posting says we will get into the premiership next season. i am just relieved that we won't be getting relegated this season - maybe that makes me delusional. my relief, for now, is that it looks under Appleton that we will not in the short-term at least) be doing a Leeds, Coventry, Birmingham, Bradford or Pompey - but i accept that may not be the case in the medium to long term.

ps - if you contact Blackburn College - they will let you know about available dates for adult literacy classes which should help you with your reading problem

happy to help

eddie the eagle wrote:
Listened on radio it sounded like we were lacking in key areas.

Yes!! Central midfield!! We don't have one!!!

Jordan Rhodes - scores when he wants to

Danny murphy - plays when it suits him!!

I think the f a cup is a poor excuse for last night - if you can't raise your game for a match like last nights, then what can you raise it for?
Is this the first of a line of kean-esque excuses?
He, as most of us on here are aware that we are woefully short in centre midfield and HE has not addressed this.
Hope I am wrong - honestly!

hasslem hasslem wrote:
blooming heck you lot - reading these posts! - i think i may go into a darkened room with a razor blade with my leonard cohen back catalogue on shuffle (surely not as depressing as woody's cries from the heart).

its as though some of you have been waiting for last night to happen since Appy took over. - Jesus Christ, we lost an away game to second in the league - anybody remember Shrewsbury? with all the shenanigans over the last tow years we are in no state to get promoted and Appleton deserves credit last night for at least being honest in his assessment of the game - our pal fester would have described it as a triumph and the defeat gave us plenty of opportunities to put things right in training.

to me success this season looks like:
1) getting rid of kean
2) finishing in top half of championship
3 (part 1)) finishing above dingles
3 (part 2)) not losing to dingles
4) a good cup run

1) is achieved, 2) looks likely 3i) blooming hope so, 3ii) banker 4) already achieved with the possibility of a wembley appearance.

not been to new wembley yet as i promised myself i would only go if rovers go there - our last FA cup semi was the last to be played away from wembley and the final (which we were so close to - PEDERSEN!!!!) was the first proper game to be held there.

forget last night.....the past is history, the future is ours!

Positive,positive positive. Good on ya mate. Doom and Gloomers read this post!!!

hasslem hasslem wrote:

Shane wrote:

hasslem hasslem wrote:
blooming heck you lot - reading these posts! - i think i may go into a darkened room with a razor blade with my leonard cohen back catalogue on shuffle (surely not as depressing as woody's cries from the heart).

its as though some of you have been waiting for last night to happen since Appy took over. - Jesus Christ, we lost an away game to second in the league - anybody remember Shrewsbury? with all the shenanigans over the last tow years we are in no state to get promoted and Appleton deserves credit last night for at least being honest in his assessment of the game - our pal fester would have described it as a triumph and the defeat gave us plenty of opportunities to put things right in training.

to me success this season looks like:
1) getting rid of kean
2) finishing in top half of championship
3 (part 1)) finishing above dingles
3 (part 2)) not losing to dingles
4) a good cup run

1) is achieved, 2) looks likely 3i) blooming hope so, 3ii) banker 4) already achieved with the possibility of a wembley appearance.

not been to new wembley yet as i promised myself i would only go if rovers go there - our last FA cup semi was the last to be played away from wembley and the final (which we were so close to - PEDERSEN!!!!) was the first proper game to be held there.

forget last night.....the past is history, the future is ours!

What's happening is that suddenly the penny has dropped. No matter you try and polish it Rovers are not a premiership club anymore. They are at best a mid table championship club who may occasionally get in the play offs and everyone can get on the chara and have a trip to London. The squad consists of either overpaid has beens or overpaid wannabees but will never make it.
.
What's this "consolidate this season and push for the playoffs next" type of claptrap? Rover's will be in the Chumpionship while the Venkys remain (and I don't reckon they are going anywhere fast)
.
The Venkys neither have the appetite or the money to get back in the premiership.
.
.You're not paranoid you're delusional

strange comments - you are, of course, entitled to your opinion.

where am i delusional? - i have gone on the record over the years saying that i will support Rovers no matter what division they are in i have had many a row in bar rooms, on here or at Ewood; whilst we were struggling that i didn't give a monkey's what division Rovers wase in as long as the team was busting a gut and and you believed that the supporters had a connection with the club/team players......admitte

dly the connection with the club is, for the moment, severed - but for the first time in ages i, personally, feel the team is heading in the right direction.

WHERE HAVE I SAID WE WILL GET INTO THE PREMIERSHIP? WHERE HAVE I WRITTEN THAT I THINK ROVERS IS A PREMIERSHIP CLUB - i am not paranoid - but fear you may need to learn to read if you think my posting says we will get into the premiership next season. i am just relieved that we won't be getting relegated this season - maybe that makes me delusional. my relief, for now, is that it looks under Appleton that we will not in the short-term at least) be doing a Leeds, Coventry, Birmingham, Bradford or Pompey - but i accept that may not be the case in the medium to long term.

ps - if you contact Blackburn College - they will let you know about available dates for adult literacy classes which should help you with your reading problem

happy to help

What do you expect from a Dingle Hasslem. They just write the first thing that comes into their heads that suits them. Silly comments without any foundation.

eddie the eagle wrote:
Listened on radio it sounded like we were lacking in key areas.

bring back rochina for some creativity.

moh wrote:

eddie the eagle wrote:
Listened on radio it sounded like we were lacking in key areas.

bring back rochina for some creativity.

Bring back Stuart Metcalfe for evenore creativity...

Harwoodstblue wrote:
Priorities Mr Appleton. The cup is a distraction but it would be no good being promoted with this squad only to come straight back down. Can anyone honestly say that probably wouldn't happen. We need more time to build a stronger squad before thinking about promotion.

100% agree with this, we need to be consistent if we get promotion we will be
playing the likes of Arsenal week in week out, this squad simply isn't good
enough, sorry to say but we need a replacement for Murphy, there must be something in his contract which says he plays in a high percentage of league games because everyone but the managers can see he just can't cut it!!!!

passingfootball wrote:
there are ways to lose a match, rovers never really went for it,, gave too much respect, even burnley and barnsley have won at hull recently, theyre not unbeatable, As the most expensive assembled squad and the highest paid team in the championship, rovers fans expect a lot more, manager knows where he made the mistake and probably give more recovery time for players after a big match.

Sorry your 'facts' are wrong but I agree with your sentiment.....Wolves and Bolton have got greater valued squads assembled but of course what you say is right, games like Hull away should be winnable.

I'm not happy with mid table....before Uncle Jack invested his millions,under the guidance of Don McKay Rovers seemed to be competing at the top of the old second division every season, all with little money or able to pay big wages....so surely now with the investment and one of the 'better off' teams in this league we should all expect better than mid table mediocrosy......if not might be better if the club was skint once again!.

IMO Cardiff are the only team that might have a realistic chance of staying a second season in the PL with their current squad if they got promoted ....all other teams squads simply aren't good enough (not just BRFC)....but most teams that make it to the promised land(EPL) invest so to say Rovers would do Burnley and come straight back is a little premature
..

Interesting fact....if Cardiff get promoted this season and Swansea don't get relegated...it'll be the first time two non English teams have played in the top division of English football.

Iiii1111 wrote:
IMO Cardiff are the only team that might have a realistic chance of staying a second season in the PL with their current squad if they got promoted ....all other teams squads simply aren't good enough (not just BRFC)....but most teams that make it to the promised land(EPL) invest so to say Rovers would do Burnley and come straight back is a little premature
..

Interesting fact....if Cardiff get promoted this season and Swansea don't get relegated...it'll be the first time two non English teams have played in the top division of English football.

"Invest " We have Venkys as owners, so to think they are going to invest millions in if we are promoted is also a little premature. Do we not not know them well enough yet?

dangerous dave wrote:
Sorry Mr Appleton on this occasion you got it wrong with some being played out of position and a back four dragged all over the place, mid field non existent (Murphy awful) and Rhodes well no service what so ever - as Kevin Gallagher said on radio Lancs last night no positives at all from this match!! - simply not good enough.
OUT WITH THE LOT OF THEM

you really are a t****r

French Rover wrote:

moh wrote:

eddie the eagle wrote:
Listened on radio it sounded like we were lacking in key areas.

bring back rochina for some creativity.

Bring back Stuart Metcalfe for evenore creativity...

Played against Metcalfe a few times, he was still a goodun in his mid 40's.

Promotion is the focus and the BIG PICTURE, why players get distraction with one WIN and loose from the focus. We should play aggressive with the top of the table teams and make our move faster. Now goal difference will be the key and players must act to get more goals. So more time in defense and forget to get the goals doesn’t workout, it is not hangover, it is not getting the burning desire to win consistent games.

Sherwoodforest wrote:

French Rover wrote:

moh wrote:

eddie the eagle wrote:
Listened on radio it sounded like we were lacking in key areas.

bring back rochina for some creativity.

Bring back Stuart Metcalfe for evenore creativity...

Played against Metcalfe a few times, he was still a goodun in his mid 40's.

that lad could turn on a sixpence - trouble was he often faced the wrong way after his turn - and his hair got in the way a lot of the time, other than that he was pretty special. England Under 21 as well...

Iiii1111 wrote:

passingfootball wrote:
there are ways to lose a match, rovers never really went for it,, gave too much respect, even burnley and barnsley have won at hull recently, theyre not unbeatable, As the most expensive assembled squad and the highest paid team in the championship, rovers fans expect a lot more, manager knows where he made the mistake and probably give more recovery time for players after a big match.

Sorry your 'facts' are wrong but I agree with your sentiment.....Wolves and Bolton have got greater valued squads assembled but of course what you say is right, games like Hull away should be winnable.

I'm not happy with mid table....before Uncle Jack invested his millions,under the guidance of Don McKay Rovers seemed to be competing at the top of the old second division every season, all with little money or able to pay big wages....so surely now with the investment and one of the 'better off' teams in this league we should all expect better than mid table mediocrosy......if not might be better if the club was skint once again!.

agree absolutely that mid-table at the end of the season is simply not good enough for a club like the Rovers and for a decent squad like the Rovers have. We have a good mix of youth and experience again and some quite highly rated (certainly at this level) players.

We may not be as far down the line with building a team to win promotion and stay in the prem as a team like Cardiff are, as they have got together a decent squad with a great work ethic and are certainties for automatic promotion, but we should certainly be targeting to make the play-offs even despite the loss of half a season of mediocrity.

The loss to Hull on Tuesday can be considered as a 'hiccup' in our current form I hope, but we do need to return to the previously excellent form when we play Leeds at the weekend.

The wheels have not fallen-off the revival wagon and the play-offs are still the target. And no even though I think we will make the play-offs I do no think we will win promotion. That would be one step too far this season and always was IMO. Come on you Blues!

madrover wrote:

dangerous dave wrote:
Sorry Mr Appleton on this occasion you got it wrong with some being played out of position and a back four dragged all over the place, mid field non existent (Murphy awful) and Rhodes well no service what so ever - as Kevin Gallagher said on radio Lancs last night no positives at all from this match!! - simply not good enough.
OUT WITH THE LOT OF THEM

you really are a t****r

Obviously you were also brought up in the gutter!!
OUT WITH THE LOT OF THEM

I would like to send sincere condolences on behalf of all Rovers fans on this blog to the family and friends of Emma McDougall who tragically died this week after her battle against cancer. Emma joined the Rovers ladies team in 2008 and played 30 times and scored 5 goals for us. God Bless Emma.

dangerous dave wrote:

madrover wrote:

dangerous dave wrote:
Sorry Mr Appleton on this occasion you got it wrong with some being played out of position and a back four dragged all over the place, mid field non existent (Murphy awful) and Rhodes well no service what so ever - as Kevin Gallagher said on radio Lancs last night no positives at all from this match!! - simply not good enough.
OUT WITH THE LOT OF THEM

you really are a t****r

Obviously you were also brought up in the gutter!!
OUT WITH THE LOT OF THEM

careful madrover, saying it as it is to that deluded whinge bag dangerous will result in a warning from the LET for upsetting him. he spits his dummy out because he thinks he could do better.

French Rover wrote:
I would like to send sincere condolences on behalf of all Rovers fans on this blog to the family and friends of Emma McDougall who tragically died this week after her battle against cancer. Emma joined the Rovers ladies team in 2008 and played 30 times and scored 5 goals for us. God Bless Emma.

Well said frenchy. i'll be honest in saying I didn't know of Emma but God rest her soul x

hasslem hasslem wrote:

Shane wrote:

hasslem hasslem wrote:
blooming heck you lot - reading these posts! - i think i may go into a darkened room with a razor blade with my leonard cohen back catalogue on shuffle (surely not as depressing as woody's cries from the heart).

its as though some of you have been waiting for last night to happen since Appy took over. - Jesus Christ, we lost an away game to second in the league - anybody remember Shrewsbury? with all the shenanigans over the last tow years we are in no state to get promoted and Appleton deserves credit last night for at least being honest in his assessment of the game - our pal fester would have described it as a triumph and the defeat gave us plenty of opportunities to put things right in training.

to me success this season looks like:
1) getting rid of kean
2) finishing in top half of championship
3 (part 1)) finishing above dingles
3 (part 2)) not losing to dingles
4) a good cup run

1) is achieved, 2) looks likely 3i) blooming hope so, 3ii) banker 4) already achieved with the possibility of a wembley appearance.

not been to new wembley yet as i promised myself i would only go if rovers go there - our last FA cup semi was the last to be played away from wembley and the final (which we were so close to - PEDERSEN!!!!) was the first proper game to be held there.

forget last night.....the past is history, the future is ours!

What's happening is that suddenly the penny has dropped. No matter you try and polish it Rovers are not a premiership club anymore. They are at best a mid table championship club who may occasionally get in the play offs and everyone can get on the chara and have a trip to London. The squad consists of either overpaid has beens or overpaid wannabees but will never make it.
.
What's this "consolidate this season and push for the playoffs next" type of claptrap? Rover's will be in the Chumpionship while the Venkys remain (and I don't reckon they are going anywhere fast)
.
The Venkys neither have the appetite or the money to get back in the premiership.
.
.You're not paranoid you're delusional

strange comments - you are, of course, entitled to your opinion.

where am i delusional? - i have gone on the record over the years saying that i will support Rovers no matter what division they are in i have had many a row in bar rooms, on here or at Ewood; whilst we were struggling that i didn't give a monkey's what division Rovers wase in as long as the team was busting a gut and and you believed that the supporters had a connection with the club/team players......admitte

dly the connection with the club is, for the moment, severed - but for the first time in ages i, personally, feel the team is heading in the right direction.

WHERE HAVE I SAID WE WILL GET INTO THE PREMIERSHIP? WHERE HAVE I WRITTEN THAT I THINK ROVERS IS A PREMIERSHIP CLUB - i am not paranoid - but fear you may need to learn to read if you think my posting says we will get into the premiership next season. i am just relieved that we won't be getting relegated this season - maybe that makes me delusional. my relief, for now, is that it looks under Appleton that we will not in the short-term at least) be doing a Leeds, Coventry, Birmingham, Bradford or Pompey - but i accept that may not be the case in the medium to long term.

ps - if you contact Blackburn College - they will let you know about available dates for adult literacy classes which should help you with your reading problem

happy to help

add patronising to delusional

Harwoodstblue wrote:

hasslem hasslem wrote:

Shane wrote:

hasslem hasslem wrote:
blooming heck you lot - reading these posts! - i think i may go into a darkened room with a razor blade with my leonard cohen back catalogue on shuffle (surely not as depressing as woody's cries from the heart).

its as though some of you have been waiting for last night to happen since Appy took over. - Jesus Christ, we lost an away game to second in the league - anybody remember Shrewsbury? with all the shenanigans over the last tow years we are in no state to get promoted and Appleton deserves credit last night for at least being honest in his assessment of the game - our pal fester would have described it as a triumph and the defeat gave us plenty of opportunities to put things right in training.

to me success this season looks like:
1) getting rid of kean
2) finishing in top half of championship
3 (part 1)) finishing above dingles
3 (part 2)) not losing to dingles
4) a good cup run

1) is achieved, 2) looks likely 3i) blooming hope so, 3ii) banker 4) already achieved with the possibility of a wembley appearance.

not been to new wembley yet as i promised myself i would only go if rovers go there - our last FA cup semi was the last to be played away from wembley and the final (which we were so close to - PEDERSEN!!!!) was the first proper game to be held there.

forget last night.....the past is history, the future is ours!

What's happening is that suddenly the penny has dropped. No matter you try and polish it Rovers are not a premiership club anymore. They are at best a mid table championship club who may occasionally get in the play offs and everyone can get on the chara and have a trip to London. The squad consists of either overpaid has beens or overpaid wannabees but will never make it.
.
What's this "consolidate this season and push for the playoffs next" type of claptrap? Rover's will be in the Chumpionship while the Venkys remain (and I don't reckon they are going anywhere fast)
.
The Venkys neither have the appetite or the money to get back in the premiership.
.
.You're not paranoid you're delusional

strange comments - you are, of course, entitled to your opinion.

where am i delusional? - i have gone on the record over the years saying that i will support Rovers no matter what division they are in i have had many a row in bar rooms, on here or at Ewood; whilst we were struggling that i didn't give a monkey's what division Rovers wase in as long as the team was busting a gut and and you believed that the supporters had a connection with the club/team players......admitte


dly the connection with the club is, for the moment, severed - but for the first time in ages i, personally, feel the team is heading in the right direction.

WHERE HAVE I SAID WE WILL GET INTO THE PREMIERSHIP? WHERE HAVE I WRITTEN THAT I THINK ROVERS IS A PREMIERSHIP CLUB - i am not paranoid - but fear you may need to learn to read if you think my posting says we will get into the premiership next season. i am just relieved that we won't be getting relegated this season - maybe that makes me delusional. my relief, for now, is that it looks under Appleton that we will not in the short-term at least) be doing a Leeds, Coventry, Birmingham, Bradford or Pompey - but i accept that may not be the case in the medium to long term.

ps - if you contact Blackburn College - they will let you know about available dates for adult literacy classes which should help you with your reading problem

happy to help

What do you expect from a Dingle Hasslem. They just write the first thing that comes into their heads that suits them. Silly comments without any foundation.

So, dopey, because someone is not a member of the happy clapping brigade they are automatically a dingle?
.
Is Dangerous Dave a DIngle?

Shane wrote:

hasslem hasslem wrote:

Shane wrote:

hasslem hasslem wrote:
blooming heck you lot - reading these posts! - i think i may go into a darkened room with a razor blade with my leonard cohen back catalogue on shuffle (surely not as depressing as woody's cries from the heart).

its as though some of you have been waiting for last night to happen since Appy took over. - Jesus Christ, we lost an away game to second in the league - anybody remember Shrewsbury? with all the shenanigans over the last tow years we are in no state to get promoted and Appleton deserves credit last night for at least being honest in his assessment of the game - our pal fester would have described it as a triumph and the defeat gave us plenty of opportunities to put things right in training.

to me success this season looks like:
1) getting rid of kean
2) finishing in top half of championship
3 (part 1)) finishing above dingles
3 (part 2)) not losing to dingles
4) a good cup run

1) is achieved, 2) looks likely 3i) blooming hope so, 3ii) banker 4) already achieved with the possibility of a wembley appearance.

not been to new wembley yet as i promised myself i would only go if rovers go there - our last FA cup semi was the last to be played away from wembley and the final (which we were so close to - PEDERSEN!!!!) was the first proper game to be held there.

forget last night.....the past is history, the future is ours!

What's happening is that suddenly the penny has dropped. No matter you try and polish it Rovers are not a premiership club anymore. They are at best a mid table championship club who may occasionally get in the play offs and everyone can get on the chara and have a trip to London. The squad consists of either overpaid has beens or overpaid wannabees but will never make it.
.
What's this "consolidate this season and push for the playoffs next" type of claptrap? Rover's will be in the Chumpionship while the Venkys remain (and I don't reckon they are going anywhere fast)
.
The Venkys neither have the appetite or the money to get back in the premiership.
.
.You're not paranoid you're delusional

strange comments - you are, of course, entitled to your opinion.

where am i delusional? - i have gone on the record over the years saying that i will support Rovers no matter what division they are in i have had many a row in bar rooms, on here or at Ewood; whilst we were struggling that i didn't give a monkey's what division Rovers wase in as long as the team was busting a gut and and you believed that the supporters had a connection with the club/team players......admitte


dly the connection with the club is, for the moment, severed - but for the first time in ages i, personally, feel the team is heading in the right direction.

WHERE HAVE I SAID WE WILL GET INTO THE PREMIERSHIP? WHERE HAVE I WRITTEN THAT I THINK ROVERS IS A PREMIERSHIP CLUB - i am not paranoid - but fear you may need to learn to read if you think my posting says we will get into the premiership next season. i am just relieved that we won't be getting relegated this season - maybe that makes me delusional. my relief, for now, is that it looks under Appleton that we will not in the short-term at least) be doing a Leeds, Coventry, Birmingham, Bradford or Pompey - but i accept that may not be the case in the medium to long term.

ps - if you contact Blackburn College - they will let you know about available dates for adult literacy classes which should help you with your reading problem

happy to help

add patronising to delusional

sorry shane - i think if you call me delusional without obviously reading my post - i feel i am totally justified in calling you illiterate - not patronising just stating fact.

learn to read you illiterate numpty!

hasslem hasslem wrote:

Shane wrote:

hasslem hasslem wrote:

Shane wrote:

hasslem hasslem wrote:
blooming heck you lot - reading these posts! - i think i may go into a darkened room with a razor blade with my leonard cohen back catalogue on shuffle (surely not as depressing as woody's cries from the heart).

its as though some of you have been waiting for last night to happen since Appy took over. - Jesus Christ, we lost an away game to second in the league - anybody remember Shrewsbury? with all the shenanigans over the last tow years we are in no state to get promoted and Appleton deserves credit last night for at least being honest in his assessment of the game - our pal fester would have described it as a triumph and the defeat gave us plenty of opportunities to put things right in training.

to me success this season looks like:
1) getting rid of kean
2) finishing in top half of championship
3 (part 1)) finishing above dingles
3 (part 2)) not losing to dingles
4) a good cup run

1) is achieved, 2) looks likely 3i) blooming hope so, 3ii) banker 4) already achieved with the possibility of a wembley appearance.

not been to new wembley yet as i promised myself i would only go if rovers go there - our last FA cup semi was the last to be played away from wembley and the final (which we were so close to - PEDERSEN!!!!) was the first proper game to be held there.

forget last night.....the past is history, the future is ours!

What's happening is that suddenly the penny has dropped. No matter you try and polish it Rovers are not a premiership club anymore. They are at best a mid table championship club who may occasionally get in the play offs and everyone can get on the chara and have a trip to London. The squad consists of either overpaid has beens or overpaid wannabees but will never make it.
.
What's this "consolidate this season and push for the playoffs next" type of claptrap? Rover's will be in the Chumpionship while the Venkys remain (and I don't reckon they are going anywhere fast)
.
The Venkys neither have the appetite or the money to get back in the premiership.
.
.You're not paranoid you're delusional

strange comments - you are, of course, entitled to your opinion.

where am i delusional? - i have gone on the record over the years saying that i will support Rovers no matter what division they are in i have had many a row in bar rooms, on here or at Ewood; whilst we were struggling that i didn't give a monkey's what division Rovers wase in as long as the team was busting a gut and and you believed that the supporters had a connection with the club/team players......admitte



dly the connection with the club is, for the moment, severed - but for the first time in ages i, personally, feel the team is heading in the right direction.

WHERE HAVE I SAID WE WILL GET INTO THE PREMIERSHIP? WHERE HAVE I WRITTEN THAT I THINK ROVERS IS A PREMIERSHIP CLUB - i am not paranoid - but fear you may need to learn to read if you think my posting says we will get into the premiership next season. i am just relieved that we won't be getting relegated this season - maybe that makes me delusional. my relief, for now, is that it looks under Appleton that we will not in the short-term at least) be doing a Leeds, Coventry, Birmingham, Bradford or Pompey - but i accept that may not be the case in the medium to long term.

ps - if you contact Blackburn College - they will let you know about available dates for adult literacy classes which should help you with your reading problem

happy to help

add patronising to delusional

sorry shane - i think if you call me delusional without obviously reading my post - i feel i am totally justified in calling you illiterate - not patronising just stating fact.

learn to read you illiterate numpty!

He DIDN'T read your post. His comment was nothing to do with your post. The Dingle just wanted to get that negative clap trap off his chest.